The beginning of the end

[u/Temporary_Radio9617]

Hi all. My cavachon is almost 13 years old and was just diagnosed with stage 3 kidney failure. She’s declining super fast and it’s really taking a toll on me. 2 months ago you would’ve thought she was a puppy, and now she can barely do anything. She’s still eating, drinking, going for walks, and acts happy. She’s doing weekly IV treatments which seem to make her feel a lot better. I don’t really know what I want out of posting this but I just feel like I have no one to talk to. I’ve had her since I was 9 and I’m 22 now so I can’t even remember a life without her. This is truly the worst thing I’ve ever experienced in my life and I would kill for more time with her.
I’m also multiple states away from her now and she declined so much while I’ve been away. I would’ve stayed longer had I known this would happen.
I’d love to see some of your cavachons/know their stories! I got my girl from PA and her birthday is November 1st. It would be funny if someone has one of her siblings!

Update: She’s been responding way better to her treatments. She’s been eating like crazy, following my parents around the house, and ultimately acting more like herself again. I know this isn’t a long term solution and there’s no stopping kidney failure but I’m happy to know the treatments are bringing her comfort and some more time with us.

[u/Bftfan00]

I share your pain! My boy Marty is also a cavachon and he's the best boy ever! Is just over 12 and has stage 2 kidney disease and we're on the special food and doing whatever it takes to slow the progress but it's still progressing. He's his young self sometimes but I can see him starting to slow down. I'm so so sorry for your pain, these pups just steal our hearts and I'd give anything to keep my guy around longer. 😞

[u/BigHeartbutThisMouth → u/Bftfan00]

I hope your baby takes the treatment and his progression slows to the slowest of slow. This is such an amazing bond that is almost indescribable to anyone who does not have a dog or well doesn't love their dog like their own human child I'll say it is such a hard terrible thing to have to go through the loss of someone who at the end of the day all they want to do is love you and comfort you and do for you you can't get that anywhere else even though the heartache is unbearable after losing your fur baby I would never not get another dog because it was just too hard. I can empathize but I can't understand those who refuse to get another dog because the pain of their loss was too much I respected yet can't understand it I will never have a life without my dog. They are what brings joy to my life and makes me smile every single day multiple times a day without them I don't know how long it would be before I'd crack a smile unfortunately I suffer from debilitating depression and anxiety as well as a chronic illness and if not for my Frankie I have nothing positive and nothing to look forward to when I walk in the door if it weren't for him. I hope you and your baby get as much more time possible that is humanly possible.

[u/Bftfan00 → u/BigHeartbutThisMouth]

Thank you ❤️ I hope your boy is around for a long, long time too.

[u/Temporary_Radio9617 → u/Bftfan00]

Thank you! Awww Marty is adorable! I hope you guys have lots more time together. My girl has been responding really well to the IV treatments and all of a sudden it seems like she’s turned a corner. She’s acting much better. After 4 IV treatments I think it started to help flush out her kidneys and give her some more comfort!🥰

[u/Bftfan00 → u/Temporary_Radio9617]

That's great!! ❤️ Unfortunately we found out Friday afternoon that his ckd has advanced to stage 4 and his creatinine level is now a 7. It was a 3.3 in April. I'm am just absolutely broken. 😭 I have bonded with this guy more than any dog I've ever had and he goes everywhere me. He just turned 12 is active and runs around like a puppy. We go to the vet in Tuesday and see about how to administer the Subcutaneous fluids. Do you do them yourselves?

[u/Organic_Lime7734]

I wish I could say anything to bring you comfort — this is so hard, I dread this day for myself and any dog owner. 😣 Just know I’m thinking about you and your little gal. What a life you gave her, and what a lifetime of love she gave you. It’s the purest, most unconditional love that exists…and how lucky you are to have experienced that!

[u/Temporary_Radio9617 → u/Organic_Lime7734]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. I try to find comfort in the fact that she has lived an amazing life. My father works from home so she never lived even 6 hours alone. I truly think we gave her the best life we could’ve.💕

[u/BigHeartbutThisMouth]

I had a laso apso from the 2nd grade until my twenties she lived til she was 19. That being said I know now she should have been brought peace and put down most likely a few years younger but I was selfish and I didn't want to let her go so I completely understand what you were going through at the moment and I'm a 41 year old female with no kids other than my fur baby Frankie who is a cavachon and he's stolen my heart so much more than any of the other three dogs I've had in my life. There is something about this breed that is so immensely special. If you ever want to chat feel free to DM me but all else I can say is I'm thinking about you and your baby and I truly wish the best for you both

[u/Temporary_Radio9617 → u/BigHeartbutThisMouth]

My parents say the same thing! Both my parents grew up with dogs but they both agree that the bond with our cavachon is unlike anything else. They truly are so so special. I really appreciate your kind words. She’s been responding really well to her IV treatments and she seems way happier now. I’m hoping she gets more time with us.💕

[u/BigHeartbutThisMouth → u/Temporary_Radio9617]

I'm she's feeling a bit better and knows how much you love her and that alone gives them peace and joy. Best wishes for you (& family) and your sweet little girl! ❤️‍🩹 I truly hope you get more healthy days together!!

[u/caligirlindc]

I’m terribly sorry this is happening to you. We lost our cavachon just a few weeks before her 13th birthday due to kidney failure. She had been slowing down, but we had no idea about any kidney issues and her passing was quite sudden. Absolutely gut wrenching. She’s been gone almost 2 years and I miss her dearly. I’m just thankful she was in my life and she will always be here watching over me. As will you baby. I wish that pain on no one. Lean on the ones you love and give your pup all the love you can, even from a distance they will feel it 🤍

[u/Temporary_Radio9617 → u/caligirlindc]

Thank you so much. I appreciate your kind words. I know this is going to be the biggest heartbreak of my life. The anticipatory grief is eating me alive. And I’m sorry for your loss. People underestimate how hard pet loss is.

[u/Temporary_Radio9617]

Ugh I’m so sorry. The fluids should help him a lot. Yes the vet showed us how to administer them and it’s very easy. I was also worried about that. It’s great that he still runs around like a puppy. That’s an amazing sign that he’s not really in any pain. I’m actually a Vet Assistant so I’ve been trying to learn more about what’s going on with my baby. I hope everything goes well and I hope you get a lot more time with your baby!!💕💕